<<<
EPISODE 3x03 │
EPISODE 3x05 >>>
KILGHARRAH
In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin.
--
[00:25, EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur ride to a hill overlooking a small village.]
ARTHUR
You know what you need after a hard day's hunt?
MERLIN
Sleep.
ARTHUR
I nice cold tankard of mead.
MERLIN
Mead.
--
[00:41, EXT. COUNTRYSIDE, VILLAGE - DAY]
[Arthur and Merlin dismount and tie their horses up in the small village.]
ARTHUR
No better place to measure the mood of your people than the local tavern.
MERLIN
This is one of those moments where I tell you something isn't a good idea and you ignore me, isn't it?
ARTHUR
You're learning, Merlin. Slowly, but you're learning. Now, remember, in here you're not my servant, I'm just a simple peasant like everyone else.
MERLIN
Simple part's right.
ARTHUR
What?
MERLIN
I said, the sun is very bright.
ARTHUR
Yeah. Yeah, it is.
--
[01:19, INT. COUNTRYSIDE, VILLAGE TAVERN - DAY]
MARY
Afternoon. What'll it be?
ARTHUR
Er...
MARY
Mmm. You're an handsome fellow.
ARTHUR
Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it.
MARY
Oh, no, sorry. I was talking about your friend here.
ARTHUR
Him?
MERLIN
Thank you.
ARTHUR
Two tankards of mead, please.
MERLIN
I was wrong. Coming here was a great idea.
[Dagr enters. The tavern goes quiet.]
DAGR
Afternoon, Mary. Business looks good.
MARY
We have our better days.
DAGR
I don't suppose you'd begrudge me my share, then.
[Mary throws him some coins.]
DAGR
And the rest?
MARY
That's all we got.
[Dagr grabs the front of Mary's shirt and pulls a dagger on her.]
DAGR
I'll not ask again!
ARTHUR
Take your hands off her.
[Dagr attacks Arthur. Arthur throws Dagr into a shelf.]
DAGR
I'm gonna make you pay for that.
MERLIN (chuckles)
I'd like to see you try.
[Dagr whistles and a group of tough looking men enter the tavern.]
ARTHUR
You had to open your big mouth, didn't you Merlin?
GWAINE
You two have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, haven't you?
ARTHUR
You should get out of here while you have the chance.
GWAINE
You're probably right.
[Gwaine takes a swig from his drink, hands the drink to Dagr and punches him. A brawl ensues.]
MERLIN
Arthur!
ARTHUR
Merlin! Behind you!
[A man throws a chair. Merlin ducks.]
MERLIN
Ætslide bencþel.
[Merlin's spell throws a bench at two large men marching toward him. Mary tries to rescue her merchandise. Merlin slides under the bar and Mary help him knock out Ebor. Merlin magically throws plates at another attacker and Gwaine approaches the counter as he knocks out the man he has in a headlock.]
GWAINE
Pass the jug, heh?
[Merlin hands Gwaine the jug. Gwaine takes a swig, then punches an attacker behind him.]
GWAINE
What do they call you, then?
MERLIN
Merlin.
GWAINE
Gwaine. Pleasure to meet you.
[Gwaine smashes the jug on another attacker's head.]
GWAINE
Such a waste, heh?
[Arthur fights Dagr. Dagr pulls a knife. Gwaine lunges at Dagr, but takes a knife to the thigh. Gwaine tries to get up, but falls over and knocks himself out on a bench. Merlin examines Gwaine.]
ARTHUR
How is he?
[Merlin's bandages Gwaine's leg.]
MERLIN
Not good. He's losing a lot of blood.
--
[05:18, EXT. COUNTRYSIDE, VILLAGE - DAY]
[Peasants throw rotten food at Dagr in the stocks outside the tavern. Gwaine is slung over Arthur's horse.]
ARTHUR
If this man ever troubles you again, word is to be sent to Camelot. Soldiers will be here within a day.
MARY
How can you make a promise like that?
ARTHUR
Because I'm the King's son, Prince Arthur.
[Arthur and Merlin ride off.]
MARY
Prince Arthur? Prince Arthur in my tavern? Come on!
[Mary and other peasants pelt Dagr with rotten food.]
--
[06:18, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[Merlin and Arthur set Gwaine down on the bed.]
GAIUS
Merlin, fetch me some fresh water, towels, a needle, and silk thread.
MERLIN
And honey?
GAIUS
You're learning.
[Arthur looks at Gaius for explanation.]
GAIUS
Helps fight the infection.
ARTHUR
Will he be alright?
GAIUS
Providing he's strong.
ARTHUR
He's that, alright. The man saved my life, Gaius. He's to be given anything he needs.
--
[06:56, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - DAY]
[Gwaine wakes and Merlin enters with a breakfast tray.]
GWAINE
What am I doing in this bed?
MERLIN
You were wounded. Arthur wanted to make sure you were treated by his physician.
GWAINE
Arthur?
MERLIN
Prince Arthur. You saved his life.
GWAINE
If I'd known who he was, I probably wouldn't have. He's a noble.
MERLIN
Yeah, but he's a good man.
GWAINE (snort)
If you say so.
MERLIN
You're a hero. The King wants to thank you in person.
GWAINE
Please, no. I've met a few kings. Once you've met one, you've...you've met them all.
MERLIN
He'll probably give you a reward.
GWAINE
I'm not interested. Besides, I've got everything I need right here.
MERLIN
Why did you help us?
GWAINE
Your chances looked between slim and none. I, er...I guess I just kind of like the look of those odds.
--
[08:03, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
ARTHUR
How's Gawain?
MERLIN
Recovering.
[Merlin looks out the window.]
MERLIN
Who's that?
[Arthur goes to the window to see a knight riding into the Square.]
ARTHUR
Ahh, Sir Darien. He's here for the mêlée.
MERLIN
Oh, yeah. The tournament where the knights ride around hitting each other with blunt weapons for no good reason.
ARTHUR
A little more to it than that.
MERLIN
Really? All I've ever seen is people getting the seven bells knocked out of them so that the last man standing can be called the winner.
ARTHUR
The mêlée is the ultimate test of strength and courage.
MERLIN
Are you sure we're talking about the same thing?
ARTHUR
Well, I wouldn't expect you to understand. You're not a knight.
MERLIN
Oh, well if it means I don't get clobbered 'round the head, I'm glad of it.
ARTHUR
I'm afraid it doesn't.
[Arthur throws a cup at the back of Merlin's head.]
MERLIN
Ow!
[Arthur nods his head towards the armour sitting on the table.]
ARTHUR
I need that lot cleaned by noon.
[Merlin rubs his neck.]
MERLIN
Agh.
--
[09:06, INT. CYLFERTH'S SHOP - DAY]
CYLFERTH
The Stalorne blades, just as you requested.
[Dagr and Ebor inspect one of the swords.]
EBOR
They're blunt.
DAGR
That is only how they appear.
[Dagr cuts Ebor's shirt with the sword.]
EBOR & DAGR
Muahahahaha.
CYLFERTH
Why should you want such a weapon?
DAGR
That's none of your business, old man. You have the crystals?
CYLFERTH
Money first.
[Dagr tosses Cylferth a pouch. Cylferth fetches a box and Dagr reaches for it.]
CYLFERTH
Not yet. Þece treowee andwlitan heora fram gesiht eallra.
[The spell makes the crystals glow.]
CYLFERTH
The wearer of these crystals will be able to take on the form of whoever's blood they touch.
[Cylferth laughs.]
DAGR
Thank you.
CYLFERTH
Thank you.
[Dagr runs Cylferth through with one of the Stalorne blades.]
EBOR
Now what?
DAGR
Now, Ebor, we can take our revenge on Prince Arthur of Camelot.
EBOR & DAGR
Muahahahaha.
--
[11:05, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - DAY]
[Gwaine puts on his boots, opens the window and looks down on Camelot.]
--
[11:39, EXT. LOWER TOWN - DAY]
[Gwaine spots Gwen, snatches a flower from the basket of a girl passing by, and presents it to Gwen.]
GWAINE
I believe this belongs to you.
GWEN
I don't think so. It's not my colour.
GWAINE
Ah, well....let us see.
[Gwaine puts the flower in Gwen's hair.]
GWEN
I bet you've got a whole bunch of those to hand out.
GWAINE
No. Yours is the only one.
[Gwaine holds up empty hands as proof. Gwen scoffs and tries to move past him.]
GWAINE
I'm Gawain.
[Gwaine holds out his hand. Gwen shakes it and keeps walking. Gwaine doesn't let go and pulls her back.]
GWAINE
You haven't told me your name. You look like a princess to me. So it's probably something like Sophia or...or Esmeralda. That's it. Princess Esmeralda.
[Gwaine bows to Gwen.]
GWEN
Stop it. People are staring.
GWAINE
Not until you tell me your name.
GWEN
It's Gwen.
GWAINE
There. That wasn't so hard now, was it?
[Gwen tries to move past him.]
GWAINE
Let me carry that. A princess shouldn't have to lump her washing around.
GWEN
Unfortunately I'm not a princess.
GWAINE
Ah, but you see...you are to me.
[Gwen laughs.]
GWAINE
This isn't working, is it?
GWEN
No, not really. But I like that you tried, and that you know when to give up.
[Gwen takes the flower out of her hair and hands it to Gwaine.]
GWEN
You'd better have this, in case someone else takes your fancy.
[Gwen continues down the street.]
GWAINE
I've only eyes for you.
GWEN
I'm sure.
[Gwaine chuckles as he turns to walk up the street.]
--
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
SIR ETHAN
How much further would you say it is to Camelot?
SIR OSWALD
Half a day's ride. The journey is almost over.
DAGR
It is for you.
[Sir Ethan sees Dagr rushing in for the attack.]
SIR ETHAN
Oswald!
[Dagr stabs Oswald. Ebor takes down Sir Ethan from behind. A servant exits one of the tents.]
EBOR
Dagr!
[Dagr throws a knife into the servant's back.]
DAGR
The crystals.
[Ebor opens box. Dagr wipes blood on one of the crystal necklaces and puts it on.]
EBOR
You look good, Dagr.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Sir Oswald.
EBOR
Sorry, Sire.
[Ebor bows.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
That's alright.
[Dagr (Oswald) takes the box and hands the second crystal necklace to Ebor.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Your turn. Then we can take our rightful place in the mêlée.
--
[14:34, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY]
[Dagr (Oswald) and Ebor (Ethan) ride into the Square. Arthur and Merlin greet them.]
ARTHUR
Sir Oswald! Didn't think you'd be brave enough to show up.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
And miss the chance of putting you on your backside?
ARTHUR
Ha-ha. You've never managed it before.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
That was then. This is now.
[Arthur gives him a friendly punch and turns to the unfamiliar Sir Ethan.]
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
Sir Ethan.
[Arthur and Ebor (Ethan) grasp arms.]
ARTHUR
This is my servant, Merlin. He loves hard work so, anything you need, just give him a call.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Believe me, I will.
--
[15:06, INT. KING’S PALACE, SIR ETHAN'S AND SIR OSWALD'S GUEST CHAMBER - DAY]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Merlin!
[Merlin enters carrying a large trunk.]
MERLIN
Here it is.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
What took you so long?
MERLIN
What? It weighs a ton. The stairs...seven flights.
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
That's very kind of you.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
But you can't leave it there.
MERLIN
I can't?
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
It's in the way.
MERLIN
OK, where do you want it?
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
Over there, by the bed.
[Merlin picks up the trunk and moves it.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Oh, no. The...other side.
[Merlin drags the trunk to the other side of the bed.]
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
It's going to get in my way there.
MERLIN
Where do you want it?
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
On top of the wardrobe.
MERLIN
On top?
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
You're absolutely right, Oswald. That's exactly where it should be.
MERLIN (pants)
Er...
[Merlin puts the trunk on top of the wardrobe. Dagr (Oswald) opens the latch and everything falls out.]
--
[16:36, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Merlin quickly slurps his pea soup.]
GAIUS
It's very hard to work out whether you are eating or inhaling that soup.
MERLIN
I haven't had anything all day. Sir Oswald had me at his beck and call.
GAIUS
How is he?
MERLIN
Awful. He treats me like dirt.
GAIUS
That doesn't sound like the young man I knew. He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul.
MERLIN
He must have changed.
GAIUS
You must remember that not all masters are as good to their servants as Arthur.
[Merlin spits his soup in Gaius's face.]
GAIUS
Thank you, Merlin.
MERLIN
Sorry.
[The door opens and Gwen peeks in.]
GWEN
Merlin, I think you need to come with me.
--
[17:30, INT. LOWER TOWN, THE RISING SUN - NIGHT]
MERLIN
You drank all this?
GWAINE
With some help from my new friends!
TAVERN FOLK
Yeah!
INN KEEPER
He says that he hasn't got any money. So it looks like you'll have to pay.
MERLIN
But...I can't afford this.
INN KEEPER
You better find someone who can.
[Gwaine laughs and falls over.]
--
[17:50, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Merlin helps a staggering Gwaine into the room.]
GWAINE
You're the best friend I've ever had.
MERLIN
You seem to have quite a few.
[They laugh.]
GWAINE
I'd love to see Arthur's face when he gets that bill.
MERLIN
Right. What is it with you and nobles?
GWAINE
Oh, nothing. My father was a knight in Caerleon's army. He died in battle, leaving my mother penniless. And when she went to the King for help, he turned her away.
MERLIN
You didn't know him?
GWAINE
Just some stories I've been told.
MERLIN
Yeah, I know how that feels. I met my father just briefly before he died.
GWAINE
Why?
MERLIN
He was banished.
GWAINE
What had he done?
MERLIN
Nothing. He served the King.
GWAINE
But the King turned against him? That doesn't surprise me.
MERLIN
Arthur's not like that.
GWAINE
Ha! Maybe. But none of them are worth dying for, heh?
[Gwaine laughs, hits his head on wall, and laughs some more.]
--
[19:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Merlin enters with a breakfast tray.]
MERLIN
Sorry. I know, I'm late.
ARTHUR
Not at all.
MERLIN
Good.
ARTHUR
Sure you're alright? You're not sick, unsteady, about to burst into song?
MERLIN
No, why?
[Arthur picks up a piece of paper.]
ARTHUR
Fourteen quarts of mead, three flagons of wine, five quarts of cider...
MERLIN
I can explain.
ARTHUR
Four dozen pickled eggs.
MERLIN
That was Gwaine. He went to the tavern and, er..he couldn't pay for it.
ARTHUR
So you said I would.
MERLIN
Mm. You know, if I hadn't, that inn keeper...he, he would've strung us both up.
ARTHUR
I fail to see the downside.
MERLIN
You said he should be given anything he needs.
ARTHUR
Four dozen pickled eggs?!!!
MERLIN
I'm sorry...I'll pay for it.
ARTHUR
You most certainly will.
--
[20:00, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]
GWAINE
Arthur is a thoroughbred little braggart.
MERLIN
Why?
GWAINE
For making us do this.
MERLIN
I think it's fair.
GWAINE
For the entire army?
MERLIN
If you admitted your father was a knight, you wouldn't have to.
GWAINE
Maybe. But I'm not making the same mistakes that he did. Anyway, my father always treated his servants well.
MERLIN
You didn't know him.
GWAINE
Well, I like to think that he did. What about yours?
MERLIN
No, he didn't have any servants. He didn't have...well...anyone.
GWAINE
When did he die?
MERLIN
About a year ago. I just wish that I had the chance to know him better. So much he could've taught me.
GWAINE
But you did get to meet him.
MERLIN
Yeah.
GWAINE If there's one thing that I learned from my father's life, is that titles don't mean anything. It's what's inside...
[Gwaine slaps Merlin's knee with the cleaning brush.]
GWAINE
...that counts.
MERLIN
Ow.
[Merlin rubs his knee.]
--
[21:14, EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY]
[Arthur attacks a practice dummy.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
You look like you need a bit of practice.
ARTHUR
Ah, you think so?
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
I know so.
[Arthur gestures "bring it" and Merlin hands Dagr (Oswald) a sword. Fight ensues.]
ARTHUR
You're rusty. You're not as quick as you used to be.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Still quick enough to hit you.
ARTHUR
I thought you were left handed?
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Yes, I am, I...
[Dagr (Oswald) switches the sword to his left hand.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
...just wanted to give you a chance. Why don't we make this more interesting? 50 gold coins first clean hit.
ARTHUR
Make it a hundred.
[Dagr (Oswald) attacks, Arthur pins his arm and taps his armour.]
ARTHUR
You can keep your money.
[Arthur leaves and Ebor (Ethan) approaches Dagr (Oswald).]
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
Don't worry, in the mêlée there'll be two of us.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
And with the Stalorne blade I will fillet the little brat.
[Dagr (Oswald) turns to Merlin who overheard them as he picked up the borrowed sword. Dagr (Oswald) spits.]
--
[22:34, INT. KING’S PALACE, SIR ETHAN'S AND SIR OSWALD'S GUEST CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[Merlin examines the Stalorne blades and one of them cuts his finger.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
What are you doing with that, boy?
MERLIN
Wha...Er...I was just tidying...
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Keep away from things that don't concern you.
[Merlin takes dinner plates and leaves.]
--
[23:38, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Gaius bandages Merlin's cut finger.]
MERLIN
To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it...
[Merlin mimics a grimace.]
GWAINE
You were lucky. I've seen those blades in action. They're forged using sorcery.
GAIUS
What would they want with such a blade?
MERLIN
I think they mean to kill Arthur in the mêlée.
GAIUS
But in front of all those people?
GWAINE
It's the perfect cover. If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional.
MERLIN
I need to warn Arthur.
GAIUS
Merlin, Sir Oswald's a knight. He comes from a well respected family. You can't accuse him without proof.
MERLIN
Then we need that blade.
GWAINE
I'll get it.
MERLIN
What if they catch you? What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald's chamber? No. It's safer if I do it.
--
[24:15, INT. KING’S PALACE, SIR ETHAN'S AND SIR OSWALD'S GUEST CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[Merlin sneaks into the chamber while Dagr (Oswald) is asleep. Merlin opens the trunk to get the Stalorne blade, but he notices the crystal around Oswald's neck. Merlin approaches the bed and sees Dagr in the crystal. Dagr (Oswald) wakes up and grabs him.]
--
[25:23, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
GWAINE
Merlin should be back by now.
GAIUS
I know.
GWAINE
I'm going to go see what's going on.
GAIUS
Gawain.
--
[25:36, INT. KING’S PALACE, SIR ETHAN'S AND SIR OSWALD'S GUEST CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[A dagger is thrown just above Merlin's head.]
MERLIN
I was just rearranging the bed clothes, that's all!
[Dagr (Oswald) throws second dagger.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
You here that, Sir Ethan? He was just rearranging the bed clothes.
[Dagr (Oswald) throws third dagger.]
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
My mistake. He's not the snivelling thief I thought he was.
[Dagr (Oswald) attacks Merlin with a sword.]
MERLIN
I thought you might be cold!
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Of course you did.
[Merlin ducks as Dagr (Oswald) swings at him.]
GWAINE
Is there a problem here?
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
No. Now leave.
GWAINE
You alright, Merlin?
[Merlin shakes his head.]
MERLIN (mouths)
No.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
I thought I told you to leave?
GWAINE
I wasn't talking to you.
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
How dare you speak to a knight like that!
[Ebor (Ethan) attacks Gwaine. Gwaine disarms Ebor (Ethan) and catches his sword. Dagr (Oswald) attacks Gwaine.]
MERLIN
Careful!
GWAINE
Don't worry. I can handle this thug.
[Gwaine fights Dagr (Oswald), and then Ebor (Ethan) who attacks from behind. Gwaine knocks Ebor (Ethan) down, then Dagr (Oswald) attacks from behind.]
MERLIN
Watch out!
[Gwaine disarms Dagr (Oswald). Sir Leon enters.]
SIR LEON
What's going on?
[Gwaine turns to look. Oswald backhands him, knocking Gwaine to the floor.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
This man attacked me! I demand an audience with the King!
--
[26:43, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT]
[Merlin walks in with Gaius.]
MERLIN
It's not Sir Oswald. It's that thug from the tavern, Dagr. He's using a magical crystal to change his appearance.
[Guards bring Gwaine into the council chamber in chains.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Sire, this man attacked me, with a sword, tried to kill me.
UTHER
Is this true?
GWAINE
I stepped in to protect Merlin.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed. I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up.
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
Indeed, I can vouch for his every word.
GWAINE
He's a liar!
UTHER
I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a knight in that way?!
GWAINE
Nobility is defined by what you do, and not by who you are. And these men are anything but. They are arrogant thugs!
ARTHUR
Gwaine.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Well, you see, Sire, how he behaves.
UTHER
I've heard enough. For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's Code.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of.
ARTHUR
Sir Oswald, please.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction.
ARTHUR
Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation. Sir Oswald is a dear friend, and our guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here, too. And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart.
UTHER
How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?
ARTHUR
Gwaine risked his life to save mine. I beg you, please, if a knight's word is his bond, then I give you my word Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency.
UTHER
You are banished from Camelot. If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life. You have until dawn to leave the city.
--
[28:49, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT]
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
That servant boy is onto us.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
What's he gonna do? We're knights, remember? You've seen what happens when a commoner accuses a knight.
--
[28:56, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Gwaine packs his belongings.]
MERLIN
I'm sorry.
GWAINE
Don't be. I never stay in one place for very long. People get sick of me too quickly.
MERLIN
I didn't.
GWAINE
After the trouble I caused?
MERLIN
You livened the place up.
GWAINE (chuckles)
Make sure you look after Arthur. He's in danger.
MERLIN
I thought you hated nobles?
GWAINE
Heh, well...maybe that one's worth dying for, eh?
--
[29:27, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT]
GWEN
I heard what happened.
GWAINE
Yeah, well, there you go.
GWEN
You did a brave thing.
GWAINE
Hell of a lot of good it did me.
GWEN
I know Arthur. He's not like Uther. You saved his life, I'm sure one day he'll repay you.
GWAINE
He tried to speak up for me.
GWEN
Arthur's fair. He's loyal. He'll be a great king. I know he will.
GWAINE
Clearly. If he makes everyone feel the way that you do. At least now I know why you turned me down.
GWEN
It's not just me that says that.
GWAINE
No, I'm sure it isn't. Let's hope he lives that long.
--
[30:22, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
MERLIN
I don't know what we do.
GAIUS
I could try and persuade Arthur to withdraw from the contest.
MERLIN
He won't. I know Arthur. I'll have to somehow...use my powers to defend him.
GAIUS
With the King and half of Camelot watching?
MERLIN
I don't have a choice.
--
[30:49, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
UTHER
Ah. I trust you're ready for the challenge?
ARTHUR
Yes, Father.
UTHER
I came to bring you this. I won my first mêlée with this blade. The edge has been dulled, it's perfectly safe. All of Camelot is eager for a victory today, Arthur. I know you won't let me down.
--
[31:39, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Gwen looks worriedly out Morgana's window at the townspeople walking to the tournament grounds.]
--
[EXT. TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY]
[A crowd gathers. Trumpets sound.]
--
[31:57, INT. TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, EBOR (ETHAN) AND DAGR (OSWALD)'S TENT - DAY]
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
Prince Arthur isn't going to know what's hit him.
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Oh, I hope he does. If it's over too quickly, that'll be no fun at all.
[Ebor laughs.]
DAGR (SIR OSWALD)
Ready?
EBOR (SIR ETHAN)
Absolutely.
[They clang swords in salute.]
--
[32:12, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
MERLIN
You know those moments when I tell you something isn't a good idea?
ARTHUR
And then I ignore you, yeah.
MERLIN
And then I'm proved right?
ARTHUR
Merlin, your concern for my wellbeing is touching.
MERLIN
I'm serious. I think you should withdraw.
ARTHUR
Look, I know you think the mêlée is some kind of...stupid game, but it's more than that. It's about proving to the people that I'm fit to lead them.
MERLIN
I know.
[Merlin hands Arthur the dull sword.]
MERLIN
Just be careful.
--
[32:54, EXT. TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY]
[Uther enters the stands. Merlin stands next to Gaius in the crowd. Uther gives the signal and the mêlée ensues. Gwaine is injured by a Stalorne blade. Ebor(Ethan) rides toward Arthur.]
MERLIN
He's heading straight for Arthur.
[Arthur ducks. Ebor (Ethan) is thrown from his horse. Gwaine is knocked off his horse. Ebor (Ethan) goes for Arthur on foot..]
MERLIN
Arthur's in trouble.
[Ebor (Ethan) jumps and pulls Arthur off his horse, then tries to stab him. Arthur rolls out of the way. Arthur fights with Ebor (Ethan). Dagr (Oswald) rides toward them to attack Arthur.]
GAIUS
You'll have to do something. Otherwise, Arthur will die.
MERLIN
*spell*
[The girth breaks on Dagr (Oswald)'s saddle and he falls off his horse, then gets up to join the fray.]
MERLIN
It's two against one.
[Gwaine gets up and joins Arthur.]
MERLIN
Who is that helping Arthur?
GAIUS
I don't know, but I think we should be thankful he is.
[Gwaine disarms Ebor (Ethan) and catches the Stalorne blade.]
MERLIN
There's only one person I know who can do that.
[Gwaine stabs Ebor (Ethan), the crowd gasps. Dagr (Oswald) knocks Arthur down and goes for the kill. Gwaine blocks Dagr (Oswald) and stabs him with the Stalorne blade, the crowd gasps. Arthur and Gwaine get up and face each other.]
ARTHUR
They'll expect us to fight to the end now.
[Arthur removes his helmet and the crowd cheers.]
ARTHUR
You fought bravely. The field is yours.
[Gwaine sticks his sword in the ground and lifts his visor. Arthur smiles and shakes head.]
ARTHUR
I should've known.
[Gwaine removes his helmet.]
ARTHUR
Nobody fights like you do.
[Gwaine turns toward the King's box, surprising Gwen and Uther.]
UTHER
Guards! Seize him!
--
[38:23, INT. TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, TENT - DAY]
[Gaius kneels over the bodies of Ebor (Ethan) and Dagr (Oswald).]
UTHER
Is there nothing you can do for them?
GAIUS
I'm sorry, it's too late for them.
UTHER
The prisoner is responsible for their deaths. I want him executed immediately.
GAIUS
You might want to wait before you pass judgment. I fear that...
[Gaius pulls the crystal from Ebor's neck.]
GAIUS
Sir Ethan...
[Gaius pulls the crystal from Dagr's neck.]
GAIUS
...and Sir Oswald are not all that they seem.
[Gaius removes their helmets to reveal Ebor and Dagr.]
UTHER
Sorcery.
ARTHUR
And once again, I owe Gawain my life.
--
[39:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - DAY]
ARTHUR
The King is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the mêlée.
MERLIN
That's fantastic!
GWAINE
Thank you, Arthur.
ARTHUR
But...he's a stubborn man. He will not rescind his judgment. You must leave Camelot.
[Gwaine gives a rueful smile and nods.]
MERLIN
Oh, you got to speak to him, Arthur, make him change his mind.
GWAINE
Merlin.
ARTHUR
I'm sorry Gwaine. My father's wrong. If it were up to me...
GWAINE
I know. You don't need to explain yourself.
ARTHUR
You have until sunset.
--
[39:45, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
MERLIN
Where will you go?
GWAINE
I was thinking Mercia.
MERLIN
It's dangerous.
GWAINE
Yeah. And you get a lot more ale for your money. I'm joking.
MERLIN
Why don't you tell the King who you really are, he'll grant you a pardon, you can stay in Camelot?
GWAINE
I could never serve under a man like Uther.
MERLIN
Yet you helped Arthur.
GWAINE
He stood up for me.
MERLIN
I knew he would.
GWAINE
That showed he is, indeed, a noble man.
MERLIN
Then why don't you stay?
[Gwaine sighs..]
MERLIN
You could be a knight. Like your father. You and Arthur, you fought well together.
GWAINE
Then maybe one day we will again.
--
[40:36, EXT. RAMPARTS ABOVE THE LOWER TOWN - DAY]
[Gwaine walks down the street and salutes Arthur and Merlin in farewell.]
ARTHUR
It's a shame. He would've been a great knight.
MERLIN
Maybe one day he still will.
ARTHUR
The rules won't allow it. Knights are noblemen. Always have been, always will be. It's a tradition that...
[Arthur sees Gwen chatting with Gwaine.]
ARTHUR
They seem very friendly!
MERLIN
Why should you care?
ARTHUR
I don't.
[Gwen laughs and touches Gwaine's chest.]
ARTHUR
She could do better than that!
MERLIN
What? She should be setting her sights...higher?
[Arthur shrugs.]
MERLIN
Oh, but I forget! She can't. A girl of Gwen's standing, no. She could never consort with a nobleman. That's the rules.
[Arthur glares at Merlin.]
ARTHUR
Merlin.
MERLIN
Shut up?
ARTHUR
You guessed it.
[Gwen kisses Gwaine on the cheek and they go they wander their separate ways. Arthur and Merlin shove each other on their way back to the castle.]
-----------------------------------------------
Note: incantations found at
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